Philip Morris Trinidad and Tobago is rolling out its Underage Access Prevention Programme, targeting more than 3,500 points of sale nationwide this year to help prevent tobacco and nicotine products from being sold to minors.
The programme involves educational visits, informational materials and posters aimed at reinforcing age restrictions and helping retailers apply age-verification requirements consistently.
Philip Morris TT Corporate Affairs Manager Marisa Bernard said the company was particularly concerned about minors accessing electronic cigarettes.
“Electronic cigarettes, which should never, under any circumstances, end up in the hands of minors,” Bernard said.
She said preventing youth access was a shared responsibility involving manufacturers, retailers, authorities, parents, educators and society.
Bernard said the programme was intended to give retailers the tools needed to comply with age restrictions and promote responsible marketing practices.
Philip Morris said its UAP programme forms part of a global initiative by its parent company, Philip Morris International, and is intended to reinforce retailers’ commitment to age verification.
The company said its tobacco and nicotine products are intended only for adult smokers or adult nicotine users who would otherwise continue smoking or using tobacco and nicotine products.
It also acknowledged that the products are not risk-free and contain addictive nicotine.
“Minors, people who have never smoked or used tobacco or nicotine products, and those who have quit using them should not use any of our products,” Bernard said.
Philip Morris said its responsible marketing policies also include advertising self-regulation, training for business partners and materials reminding consumers that its products are intended exclusively for adults.
